DVC Newscast Shannon Ford, Peter Scheidle and the My DVC Points Community

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the upcoming refurbishment of Test Track beginning on June 17th, new details for the planned "Tropical Americas" region of Disney's Animal Kingdom, and more! N138



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Test Track set to close June 17th for extended refurbishment



On April 5th, Disney announced that Test Track will be closing for refurbishment on June 17th. The ride will be updated with a “World of Motion” inspired make-over. There is no word on how long the closure will be, but it is expected to last at least a year.  



Source: Walt Disney World website



Roundup Rodeo BBQ added to DVC discount dining list with 10% discount



Many restaurants on property provide a 10% discount for Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders. Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios has now been added to that list! First opening in March 2023, this is the first time a discount for DVC members has been available at this restaurant. 



Source: DVC News, Disney Vacation Club website



DVC Direct incentives being increased for Spring 2024



Disney Vacation Club is streamlining their new member and existing member discounts. 



New members can receive a $13 per point discount on any purchase of 150 points or more on all four currently for sale resorts. In addition, a “Welcome Home” credit is also added for buyers buying 150 points or greater, starting at $2000. This usually applies to those buying points on-site. 



Similarly existing members are looking to get $17 per point discount starting at 100 points, with the additional “Welcome Home” credit added starting at 150 points. 



DVC is also offering deep discounts on points at Disney's Old Key West Resort. With a base price of $205 per point, existing members can take advantage of $40 per point discount for 150 points which is $165 per point. A 500-point contract would get an $80 per point discount down to $125 per point. This is the lowest entry point to direct purchase that we have seen in quite awhile, so if you are looking for your entry into direct membership at the lowest price, this may be the way to go. 



Source: DVC News



Imagineering details “Tropical Americas” model for Animal Kingdom



Disney has released a clip on Instagram with details of the "Tropical Americas" land, which is replacing DinoLand U.S.A., in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The model still indicates Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, as well as what appears to be a Coco-inspired carousel.  While there is no current timeline for in-park construction, permitting has been submitted to start prepping a backstage area with trailers and storage. 



In addition, Disney is expected to begin filing permits for the “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion will be filed within the next few weeks.  Anything beyond this should be considered rumor for now. Expectations right now are that further details will come out at the D23 event this summer.  



Source: Instagram, Blog Mickey








My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.







It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.



If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through

This week, Sue and Peter discuss all the latest Disney news, including the Anaheim council approval of Disneyland Forward, more closures related to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, EPCOT opening the rest of their construction this summer, a 2025 DVC Member cruise, a new DCL ship announced with name and theme, and more! N137



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Vero Beach Character Breakfast returns 



Starting April 20th, the character breakfast will return to Winds and Waves at Disney's Vero Beach Resort every Saturday. This breakfast was a regularly scheduled event prior to COVID, but now will return with a new menu. Goofy and Pluto will be making the rounds in their beach gear while guests enjoy tasty menu items like “Banana’s Foster French Toast” and “The Treasure Omelet”. Breakfast hours are from 8 AM to noon and are now available for booking.  



Source: Disney Parks Blog



$2 Billion Disneyland Forward Project passes Anaheim planning board approval



On March 11th, the Anaheim Planning Commission voted 5-1 to approve a proposed $1.9 billion expansion plan for Disneyland Resort known as "DisneylandForward". As we’ve discussed before, the plan would expand both parks around the Disneyland hotel while also adding new parking and highway access ramps. It also includes potential for more hotel rooms as well as 150 new DVC rooms. 



Source: DVC news



Critter Country closing at Disneyland May 1st 



Critter Country at Disneyland will be closing temporarily starting May 1st to finish the construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, including the addition of two new themed stores.



Among the changes, “Ray’s Berets” will replace “The Briar Patch” as a place for Disney apparel and toys and themed to Ray the firefly and his family. “Louis’ Critter Club” takes over the left half of Pooh Corner with more apparel, accessories, home decor. Disneyland’s Tigger Tails will remain. The Winnie the Pooh attraction will be closed during this time as well, but no changes to the attraction are expected. The Hungry Bear is expected to remain open. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



DVC Member Cruise announced for 2025 



Disney Vacation Club announced the 2025 Member Cruise, a 5-night cruise on the Disney Dream featuring a stop at Cozumel, Mexico, a day at Castaway Cay and two days at sea. 



Booking will begin on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00am Eastern Time. No pricing has been announced yet. In order to book a DVC cruise, members are required to qualify for Membership Extras. Only qualifying points can be used to book the member cruise and at least one member must book with points. Cash rates will also be available.



Source: Disney Vacation Club website, DVC News



Eighth Disney Cruise ship announced



Disney Cruise Line has announced the newest cruise ship to be added to its fleet, the Disney Destiny. The ship, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will have a “Heroes and Villains” theme, drawing on the legacies of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions. Onboard, guests will encounter both heroes and villains.



Source: Disney Parks Blog



EPCOT CommuniCore Plaza opens with special Encanto concert



The re-imagining of EPCOT will finally be complete with all the construction walls down and the full opening of the CommuniCore Hall, Mickey and Friends character greet and the new CommuniCore Plaza Stage. This area will be the home base for EPCOT's festivals, and as a celebration there will be a new limited-time show “¡Celebración Encanto!” from June 10th to September 6th. The show will run several times throughout the day and will include opportunities to sing along with favorite songs and see Mirabel and

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new resort perk for complimentary water park admission on arrival day and other news. N136



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







New Resort Perk for 2025 applies to DVC stays



Disney has announced a new resort stay benefit for 2025 bookings. Disney is offering complimentary water park admissions on guests' arrival day at a Disney resort. This perk will also apply to DVC member reservations on arrival day.



There is currently no indication how this benefit would be affected by a split stay at different resorts, or even at the same resort in a different room category.



More details will be available “later in 2024” according to the Disney website. 



Note that extra parks hours were also extended through 2025, including the deluxe evening hours which will still be available to DVC guests. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



Soarin’ Around the World returned February 28th



Soarin’ over California has now left the building! As of February 28th, Soarin’ around the World has returned to Epcot. The original show had returned as part of the 100th anniversary celebration.



Source: Plan Disney



New DVC welcome center opens at Disney Springs



Disney Vacation Club has introduced a new "Gateway to Discovery" store. The building features largely an open space with a globe dominating the center and artwork representing many of the destinations available through DVC. Plans call for additional facilities to be added on the second floor for Members and guests. The expansion will open later this spring.



This space is not expected to be the additional member lounge which was announced back in January.



Source: DVCNews.com



New Star Tours destinations coming April 5th



Starting April 5th, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will offer some all-new adventures. These new additions will feature characters and locations from some of your favorite Disney+ new series such as “Ahsoka,” “Andor,” and “The Mandalorian.” With these additions, the attraction provides the opportunity to experience one of more than 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series. Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of your next Starspeeder flight. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



Buy a Fort Wilderness Cabin!



Some of the old log-style cabins from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are for sale according to a recent Facebook listing, posted on February 26, 2024, by user Kyle Brooks. The 1-bedroom cabins are priced at $49,900 each and are fully furnished, including an Amazon “Hey Disney” device.



Source: Chip & Co








My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.







It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.



If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.







Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new details for the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure at WDW this summer, the return of 1900 Park Fare character meal at Disney's Grand Floridian, and more! N135



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







The return of 1900 Park Fare



Disney announces that 1900 Park Fare is re-opening at Disney's Grand Floridian on April 10th after being closed for more than four years.



Characters will now include an eclectic mix of Cinderella, Aladdin, Tiana (in her new look from Tiana's Bayou Adventure), and Mirabelle from Encanto as they celebrate the “power of a wish.” The artwork throughout the restaurant has also been updated, with a continued theme of a Merry-Go-Round.



Breakfast and dinner will both be available, and special favorites including the Strawberry Soup will still be on the menu. 



Reservations are expected to Open March 5th. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



DVC Meet & Treat Event for Valentine’s Day



Disney Vacation Club announced another “Meet and Treat” Member event at the Atlantic Dancehall, similar to the event offered for Halloween. The event will be held on four dates in February, the 13th and 14th, as well as the 20th and 21st, from 2PM to 4PM. 



These events involve meet and greets with two or three special characters and treats for members. There is no advanced reservations required, but each member is only allowed to attend the event once. 



Source: Disney Vacation Club website, DVC News



Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening Summer 2024



Disney Parks Blog has a post announcing the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in “Summer of 2024”. While no specific date was given, the previous opening timeframe was "2024". Disney also shared an impressive video of one of the new Tiana audio-animatronic figure and other details of the ride.  



Source: Disney Parks Blog



Free collectible pin from DVC 



Disney Vacation Club is offering members a new bonus, a pin that says “Membership Magic.” This pin is currently available at most DVC kiosks in the parks and resorts. It will be available to all owners, and owners will need to present identification and electronic membership card. Pins may be limited to one per family. 



Source: DVC News








My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.







It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.



If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.







Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter share new information on the DisneylandForward project and Universal Orlando's Epic Universe, as well as pricing, maintenance fees, and incentives for the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. N134



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Disney commits to $1.9 Billion for Disneyland forward



On January 23rd, Anaheim announced that Disney has committed to spending a minimum of $1.9 billion and up to $2.5 billion on the Disneyland Forward project should Anaheim city council approve the project. Money would be spent on "theme park lands, attractions, hotels, shopping and dining west of Disneyland Drive and on the Toy Story parking lot."



From the Orange County Register: 



“The DisneylandForward proposal calls for Disney to pay $40 million for portions of Magic Way, Clementine Street, Gene Autry Way and Hotel Way to clear the way for the proposed theme park expansion.



The plan also calls for Disney to build a 17,000-space eastside parking structure with direct connections from the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway that would be larger than the combined Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures."



The DisneylandForward proposal is scheduled for Anaheim Planning Commission hearings in March with a vote by the Anaheim City Council in May.



Source: Orange County Register, DisneylandForward website



Pricing, Maintenance Fees, and Incentives for the Cabins 



The newest Disney Vacation Club resort, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness has opened for sales to existing members, and with that, we have more information on pricing, maintenance fees and incentives.



First off, the starting price for the cabins is $225 per point, which is the same current price as Disney's Riviera Resort and Aulani. 



Initial incentives are not particularly impressive, with a 100 point contract receiving a mere $2 discount, and 150 point contract with a $10 discount.



The biggest news is that the maintenance fees for 2024 have been released, and the initial rate is a whopping $12.16. This is the second highest priced maintenance fees of DVC resorts.



Points PurchasedCurrent Member DiscountCurrent Member Price25 - 99 points$0$225100 - 124 points$2$223125 - 149 points$4$221150 - 199 points$10$215200 - 249 points $11$214250 - 299 points$13$212300 - 499 points$14$211500 - 999 points$15$2101000+ points$16$209



Source: Disney Vacation Club website, DVC News



Epic Universe announcement made



This week, Universal Orland released an official announcement about the new theme park, Epic Universe. There were no real surprises with the announcement except that the central area will be known as Celestial Park and will have two restaurants and three rides including a dueling roller coaster. The other lands are Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How to Train your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe featuring Universal's Classic Monsters. No real details on the rides or attractions in the various lands were released. Opening is still just listed as 2025, but it’s still worth noting as competition to your time at Disney. 



Source: Universal Orlando website








My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.







It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on ou

Peter shares details of Disney Vacation Club's announcements for The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness, including opening date, point charts, and sales dates! N133



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Opening Date, Point Charts, and Sales Date Revealed



Disney Vacation Club revealed new details on the The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The new DVC resort is projected to open on July 1st. Sales begin for existing Members on February 1st and for new Members on February 27th.



Existing Members who add-on can book reservations as early as February 15th. New members can book beginning on March 12th. Reservations will be open to all DVC members on April 23rd.



Point charts range from 111 points per week in September to 232 point per week for the Christmas and Easter holidays. Most dates fall between 132-160 points per week. 



Source: Disney Vacation Club website








My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.







It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.



If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.







Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.